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Man sought by SWAT team charged with beating woman

LAS CRUCES – A man who prompted Saturday’s hours-long SWAT standoff on Rio Arriza Loop in Las Cruces has been arrestedwas taken into custody later that evening at a different location, according to a news release from the Las Cruces Police Department

Man sought by SWAT team charged with beating woman

LAS CRUCES – The man who prompted Saturday’s hours-long SWAT situation on Rio Arriza Loop in Las Cruces was arrested later that evening, according to a news release from the Las Cruces Police Department.

Joe Villalba, 46, is charged with one count each of aggravated battery against a household member resulting in great bodily harm and resisting an officer. The aggravated battery charge, a third-degree felony, is related to a domestic incident that preceded Saturday’s SWAT situation, the release said.

According to police detectives, Villalba and his 45-year-old girlfriend had gotten into an argument Saturday, and the woman was preparing to leave their home in the 3000 block of Rio Arriza Loop. During the argument, Villalba allegedly threw a beer can at the woman and then punched her with a closed fist around 2 p.m.

Villalba also allegedly kicked and punched the woman several more times as she tried to protect herself, the release said.

Police said the woman was able to escape the residence and went to the home of a neighbor, who called 911. The woman, who suffered injuries to her head and face, was transported to a local hospital. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Initially, the release said, police received information that Villalba remained inside the home on Rio Arriza Loop. Officers set up a perimeter and attempted to make contact with Villalba without success. LCPD then activated its hostage negotiation and SWAT teams.

After obtaining a warrant to enter the man’s home, officers discovered he was not there, the release said.

Police said a warrant was issued for Villalba’s arrest, and he was found late Saturday evening at a relative’s home in the 900 block of Mormon Place. According to the release, officers gave Villalba several verbal commands, but he refused to comply. Officers eventually used non-lethal force to take Villalba into custody.

He was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $25,000.